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We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Grace's Profile
Grace's family
Grace
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
84
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($436 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My main goal now is to save some money to purchase a piece of land. We have a small piece of land and this limit of farming activities. When I purchase land I would be able to do extensive farming and get enough produce to feed my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well in that the people in our community understood the project well because of the well-arranged training programs. This made most people invest their money well. I do not anything that GiveDirectly did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $250 on purchasing a heifer. I have only one dairy cow and sometimes I would buy milk and this is so costly for me since I do not have a continuous source of income. When it reproduces in the next few months I will get enough milk for my family and even sell the surplus to earn an income. I spent some amount on building a better and more spacious house. I lived in a small grass-thatched house that could not host all my family members comfortably. Currently, I have a decent and spacious house I no longer get worried whenever I have visitors at home. The remaining amount of money I spent on food and clothes for my family members. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed my living standards.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($474 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 7 am while cooking tea for breakfast when my son came informing me that he had received his transfers. Initially, I had heard a message on my phone but didn't bother because I don't know how to read and write. I, therefore, handed over my phone to my son who confirmed that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very excited and my helper withdrew the money two days later.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Building a modern Iron roofed kitchen that is more comfortable is the biggest difference experienced after receiving the transfers. This is because the previous was old and with grass-thatched leaking roofs. I had desired to build a better kitchen for three years but couldn't afford it but GiveDirectly has made it possible. Secondly, the transfers have also enabled me to buy a heifer and seats which I couldn't afford before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfers I spent KES 22,500 on the construction of the modern Iron roofed kitchen. This is because the previous one was old with leaking grass-thatched roofs. Additionally, at my age, I no longer have the energy to smear the walls. Secondly, I spent KES 12,000 on a heifer. This is because once it reproduces it will be an alternative source of milk, especially during dry spells, and also an income source for my family. Thirdly, I spent KES 7,000 on two sofa set seaters. This is because I only had locally made seats which would not accommodate many visitors. Further, I also spent KES 2, 000 on school uniforms and fees for my kids in primary schools. Initially, I used to depend on small-scale farming of indigenous vegetables and dairy framing to fend for my family. Additionally, I also spent KES 1,500 on a 210 liters water storage container. This is because I had a smaller water storage container before that could store small amounts of rainwater. Last but not least, I also spent KES 8,000 on two bags of maize. This is because my maize stock was running out. This will help sustain my family for the next three months. I also spent the KES 1,800 on the latest clothing fashion because I had only a few.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have two grandchildren who were orphaned while they were young and they were left under my care. I have been able to provide for them with the money that I earn from selling milk that at times cannot meet them when the amount of milk that I get becomes less. Receiving this money will mean that I will be able to clear the arrears that they have at school and pay an extra amount to cater for the next class that they are joining since paying for their education is expensive. This will ease the strain that I get when paying their fees and give me time to focus on providing for other needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my grandchildren happy is my joy because I get to give them the love that their parents could have given them. This gives me the energy to work hard and provide for their needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The only thing that I can do now given that I am old and less energetic is to have a dairy cow that provides milk for use at home and sale. This is challenging given that getting pasture and water for the animals is tough and the amount of milk that I get fluctuates earning me less money.